Wings Over New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, with your room ready for immediate check in. This afternoon, embark on a privately chartered sailing around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour aboard a luxurious 60-foot catamaran, gliding under the Harbour Bridge, and viewing volcanic peaks and the impressive city skyline, while nibbling on canapés and savoring fine New Zealand wines. This evening, experience a warm Maori welcome and witness the haka, a fearsome ceremonial dance, followed by a welcome dinner.

Board a privately chartered ferry as you Ride Like a Local to Waiheke Island. Once your arrive, set out on a guided walk of Connell’s Bay Sculpture Garden led by its owners, viewing distinctive works scattered over rolling farmland, while basking in views of the Hauraki Gulf. Sit down to a three-course lunch with wine before an afternoon visit to an award-winning olive oil mill, followed by visits to boutique vineyards each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, artisan cheeses and the renowned local green herb spread. Return to Auckland for an evening at leisure.

Fly by privately chartered air to Napier, located in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. Once there, set out on a city tour that includes a meeting with a local artist and time enjoyed wandering among Napier’s collection of Art Deco buildings. Continue to a spectacular family-owned winery for a private wine tasting, followed by lunch. Then, visit another local vineyard for a private tasting. Proceed to your luxury lodge set atop rugged cliffs above the sea. Tonight, gather for a refreshing Scenic Sundowner, followed by dinner.

Set out on a privately guided tour of the largest mainland colony of gannets in the world, to watch up to 25,000 of these fascinating sea birds. After lunch, take in a sheep-herding demonstration at your lodge. Join the shepherd as his impeccably trained dogs muster sheep, and witness a sheep being sheared. This evening, savor a Chef ’s Table experience that utilizes produce grown in your lodge’s gardens and specialties from local food artisans. The next day is at your leisure to relax or, for an additional cost, partake of activities available on site.

Board your privately chartered flight for Dunedin on the South Island. On arrival, transfer to Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand, on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. Upon arrival, meet with Margaret Barker, who purchased the estate with her husband in 1967 and lovingly restored it from a near ruin. Join her to privately explore the castle and its award-winning gardens as she shares the stories of their design. Then, enjoy lunch in the Garden Marquee, before proceeding to your luxurious hotel.

Privately explore the Otago Peninsula, a wilderness region brimming with wildlife. Begin with a guided walk through a wetland forest, watching for the many resident bird species. Following lunch, embark on a privately chartered cruise along the ruggedly beautiful coastline near the entrance to Otago Harbour. View the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross and venture up-close to rocky outcroppings to see the fur seals living below the venerable Taiaroa Head lighthouse. Then, cruise a short way out into the Pacific Ocean where you may spot rarely seen ocean birds such as blue penguins and marine mammals like the dusky dolphin. Tonight, enjoy a special private dining experience at the historic home of an early 20th-century merchant family.

Fly to Queenstown, taking in aerial views of Stewart Island and Fiordland National Park en route. On arrival, privately tour the city’s best sights, including AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge — famous for bungee jumping — as well as historic Arrowtown. Privately visit the home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist, and then check into your hotel. Tonight, savor dinner at a celebrated Queenstown’s restaurant.

Lift off by helicopter for an exciting flight over Milford Sound, viewing the stunning surrounding, including rainforest, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and fjords. Land on a remote glacier to marvel at an area seldom seen by humans. Continue your flight across the top of Lake Te Anau before landing for lunch. Then, embark on a scenic flight back to Queenstown.

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Explore Skippers Canyon by 4x4 Vehicle, roaming one of the most adventurous roads in the world. Embark on a Jet Boat Safari on glacier-fed rivers, hear Maori legends and walk in an ancient forest. e-Bike the Queenstown Trails, following the Arrow River and finishing with a wine tasting. This evening, celebrate our journey with a three-course farewell dinner paired with premium New Zealand wines.

After breakfast, privately transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.